What is a tailcoat? Perhaps many are familiar with this concept, although this type of clothing today is worn in rare cases. Most often, this is formal attire, which is worn during certain celebrations or on stage. But the consideration of this word is interesting in that it involves a touch on the history of this type of men's clothing. More details on what a tailcoat is and how it appeared will be described in the article.
Dictionary Interpretation
The meaning of the word “tailcoat” is said to be an evening men's suit with a special cut. It is intended for official, solemn events and consists of a jacket shortened in front and back with long and narrow forks. Such a formal frock coat is supposed to wear trousers with satin stripes.
Examples of offers:
- A tall physique towered above the orchestra, a man dressed in a tailcoat, who, noticing Margarita, smiled, turned pale and with a sharp wave of his hand raised the orchestra.
- This wedding was all right: gifts, and decorated cars, and champagne, and laughter, and crying, and a black tailcoat, and a white dress.
To better understand the interpretation of the word "tailcoat", it is worth understanding its etymology.
Origin of the word
Etymologists suggest that the object under study dates back to the Old Frank noun hroc, meaning "caftan". From him in Old French formed the noun froc. And then frac is found in French, and frock is found in English, which translates as a frock coat.
However, the word came into the Russian language by borrowing not from French or English, but from German, formed from Frack, which has the same meaning as in the two specified foreign languages.
Continuing to discuss what a tailcoat is, it is worth turning to the history of this garment.
Clothing of cavalrymen
Its rather strange appearance of tailcoat is due to the fact that initially this type of clothing was of a purely utilitarian nature. He was part of the officer uniform with the cavalrymen, who found it convenient to be in the saddle in it, sitting astride a horse. And at the same time they looked very impressive.
The appearance of a tailcoat was discovered in the middle of the 18th century in France. At that time, he had nothing to do with a ceremonial costume. However, officers belonging to the highest public circles often flaunted in it at balls, dinner parties and other social events. Gradually, this led to the fact that he was transformed into fashionable clothes for special occasions.
In continuation of the study of the question of what a tailcoat is, it would be advisable to tell how it looked in different periods.
Symbol of revolution
During the period of the Great Revolution, the so-called incredible tailcoats, or tailored coats, appeared in France. They had excessively large collars and lapels. In addition, a rather impressive tie was also worn, which completely covered the chin. The collar of the shirt, which was tightly starched, reached right up to the middle of the cheeks.
In Russia, under Emperor Paul I, similar tailcoats also began to be worn, which became a kind of symbol of support for the rebellious France. At one time they were banned, and then, after the death of Paul, they could be seen again in the capital's salons, after which they became everyday clothes.
Regular, formal and festive clothing
Fraki was sewn from fine cloth, sometimes from velvet. They were usually blue, brown, or green. Such preferences were explained by the fact that the black color initially caused associations with mourning. Therefore, black tailcoats could be seen on men participating in mourning events. And in everyday life or during the holidays, tailcoats of other colors were used.
Towards the end of the 19th century, the tailcoat practically disappears from the streets, giving way to jackets and tuxedos. It turns into a formal toilet, designed exclusively for celebrations and ceremonies that are official in nature and held in accordance with a strict protocol. Over time, tailcoats became the clothes of musicians and dancers.